STRAND Clinical Technologies, LLC was recognized by the state of Georgia as a Small Business Rock Star today at a luncheon hosted by the Georgia Department of Economic Development and the Georgia Economic Developers Association. 

“What an honor it is to celebrate Georgia’s Small Business Rock Stars during the state’s annual Small Business Week,” said Commissioner Pat Wilson. “Anytime that we can put a spotlight on Georgia’s small businesses is a win-win for the state. These companies keep our economy thriving, and help Georgia maintain its status as the No.1 state in the nation in which to do business.”

STRAND Clinical Technologies (formerly Creative Pharmacist) was born in 2008 when its co-founders, long-time friends David Pope and Dan Lawson, saw that a perfect 'marriage' could be found between patients living with chronic disease and their neighborhood community pharmacist. By equipping local pharmacies with the right tools, and developing simple turnkey methods and solutions, STRAND empowers pharmacists to improve patient outcomes.

“It’s incredibly gratifying to affect healthcare change by empowering pharmacists, which many time operate as small businesses themselves, in every state in the country. We’re proud to bring this award to Columbia County -where Dan and I both attended high school- and shed a statewide light on the impact our small businesses have on a national front,” stated David Pope, Chief of Innovation and Co-founder.

STRAND’s vision is to universally transform the community pharmacy marketplace by inspiring and empowering pharmacists to tackle growth areas in their business – clinical pharmacy practice – and improve both the health of their business and the health of their patients.

Today, the STRAND clinical platform and educational materials are utilized in the US and around the globe in over 1,000 communities every month.

Dan Lawson, Chief of Technology and Co-founder said, “It’s an honor to be chosen as a recipient for the Georgia Small Business Rockstar Award. This is an amazing award for our team and we’re proud and humbled to be recognized. A great team can do great things, and that’s exactly what we have at STRAND.”

This year’s Small Business Rock Stars winners include: AKESOgen, Inc. from Gwinnett County; STRAND Clinical Technologies from Columbia County; Gottwals Books from Peach County and SouthLife Supply Co. from Thomas County.

“With almost 98 percent of Georgia companies employing fewer than 100 people, small business has a tremendous impact on Georgia’s economy,” said GDEcD Director of Entrepreneur & Small Business Mary Ellen McClanahan. “The Rock Star recognition provides the perfect opportunity to showcase how important small businesses are to the state and of course, the local economy.”

These companies have shown increases in revenue, sales, exporting, product lines, jobs and economic impact. Additionally, the Small Business Rock Stars have shown dedication to their entrepreneurial spirit, creativity and a unique approach to conducting business to take them to the next level. 

Governor Nathan Deal declared March 19-23 as Georgia Small Business Week to celebrate the achievements made my small businesses throughout the state.

“GEDA supports all types of economic development where jobs and investment are created, and where the quality of life is improved for our citizens,” said GEDA President Kevin Shea. “We are proud to support small businesses of all sizes through our members and their organizations all over the State of Georgia. Congratulations to this year’s award-winning small businesses.”